Billionaire investor David Booth has pledged a historic $300 million to the University of Kansas. The monumental donation is one of the largest ever made to a college athletics program. It was announced by the university on August 13, 2025.
The gift is aimed at accelerating campus development and securing the future of KU athletics. It will fund major stadium renovations and a new mixed-use district. This donation solidifies Booth’s legacy as one of the school’s most significant benefactors.
Details of the Historic Donation
The $300 million commitment is structured for long-term impact. According to the university, $75 million is allocated for the Gateway District project. This initiative will complete the south and east sides of the football stadium.
The remaining $225 million will provide an endowment for KU athletics. This financial support is crucial under new NCAA revenue-sharing models. It ensures sustained competitiveness for all Jayhawk sports programs.
University leaders hailed the donation as a transformative moment. They stated it will benefit student-athletes and the entire Lawrence community for generations. The project includes new student housing, retail spaces, and a hotel.
Booth’s Legacy of Philanthropy and Business Acumen
David Booth co-founded Dimensional Fund Advisors in 1981. The firm is a global investment management giant. It is renowned for its evidence-based, academic approach to investing.
Booth’s net worth is estimated at $5 billion. His success in finance has enabled his extraordinary philanthropy. He has deep ties to the University of Kansas, having grown up in Lawrence and earned degrees there.
His previous gifts include a $50 million donation in 2017. That gift renamed the football stadium David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. He also donated James Naismith’s original rules of basketball to the university.
Broader Impact on College Athletics Philanthropy
This gift sets a new benchmark for private support in collegiate sports. It comes at a pivotal time for universities. Schools are adapting to athlete compensation and new financial realities.
Booth’s investment-like approach to giving focuses on long-term dividends. He believes in compounding benefits for the community. This philosophy mirrors the strategy that built his investment fortune.
The donation will likely inspire other major benefactors to make similar commitments. It highlights the growing role of philanthropy in funding top-tier athletic programs. The impact will be felt far beyond the football field.
This landmark gift from David Booth ensures the University of Kansas remains a powerhouse in collegiate athletics for decades to come. The strategic funding provides unprecedented stability and growth potential. Booth’s $300 million donation is a masterclass in transformative philanthropy.
Info at your fingertips
Who is David Booth?
David Booth is the billionaire co-founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors. He is a renowned investment manager and a prominent philanthropist. He is also a dedicated alumnus of the University of Kansas.
How much did David Booth donate to KU?
David Booth recently donated $300 million to the University of Kansas. This historic gift is primarily dedicated to supporting athletics and campus development. It is one of the largest donations ever made to a college sports program.
What is Dimensional Fund Advisors?
Dimensional Fund Advisors is a major global investment firm. It was co-founded by David Booth in 1981. The firm is known for using academic research to guide its investment strategies.
What is David Booth’s net worth?
David Booth has an estimated net worth of $5 billion. He accumulated his wealth through his highly successful investment management company. His fortune has enabled his significant philanthropic efforts.
What will the KU donation be used for?
The $300 million gift will fund the Gateway District and stadium renovations. A large portion will also create an endowment for KU athletics. The funds support long-term stability and growth for the university.
Trusted Sources: Forbes, Associated Press, University of Kansas Official Communications, Bloomberg.
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